[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 144 (Thursday, October 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2065]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 22, 1997

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, another day and still no campaign finance 
reform. As you know, I have been making a statement in the Record every 
day asking for you to schedule a vote on campaign finance reform. Each 
day I have tried to point to reasons why we need reform, and examples 
of the problems that exist in the system. Today I was amazed and amused 
by three items which jumped out at me in the morning newspaper, each 
pointed once again for the desperate need for campaign finance reform.
  The three items brought to our attention today are: the Senate 
majority dinner, to be held on November 5, where sponsors are asked to 
raise $100,000 for the Republican Senate majority; a weekend retreat 
sponsored by the Democratic National Committee this weekend. The 
retreat costs $50,000 and includes appearances by the President and the 
Vice President. And, finally, the recent disclosure that the Republican 
National Committee has spent $800,000 on attack ads in the special 
congressional election in New York City.
  Mr. Speaker, it should be obvious. There is too much money in the 
system, the average citizen is being shut out of the process, and the 
leadership of this House is unwilling to allow a vote on fixing 
campaign finance reform. Now is the time for action.

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